About Us

Tapton School Academy Trust (TSAT) was set up as a not for profit charitable company limited by guarantee in 2012 as a result of the Department for Education and Sheffield Local Authority (LA) approaching Tapton School to sponsor Chaucer School. Since that time Southey Green, Meynell and Wisewood Primaries along with Forge Valley Secondary have been sponsored and Hillsborough and Hallam Primaries have each chosen to convert and join the Trust.

Membership of the Trust therefore encompasses eight academies, 5 primary and 3 secondary; we have over 6000 learners from 3 to 19 years and a total of over 850 staff working for the Trust.

The educational landscape is changing rapidly, with a significant reduction in the LA involvement and central funding. We have adapted to this and ensure we provide a supportive and collaborative context in which our academies can thrive. From its inception the Trust has promoted a distinctive and autonomous ethos for all our schools, however, there is a strong commitment to shared policies and strategic intent. The Trust is gradually taking more responsibility for financial and resource management and will accelerate this over the coming years in order that schools can focus on what matters: the education of our students and their development as rounded and balanced individuals contributing to the community in which they learn.

Every school has a voice, through the Trust’s open and transparent governance and in key decisions that affect them. We will continue to encourage each academy to maintain and develop its own distinctive culture and identity, whilst operating under the banner of TSAT.

Caroline BagleyChair of Trustees

Tapton School Academy Trust

Tapton School Academy Trust (TSAT) was formed in 2012 and sponsored Chaucer School. Another ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted judgement for Tapton in 2013 gave the opportunity to partner with King Ecgbert School to build the Escafeld Teaching School Alliance. This has given rise to secure and effective leadership, training and support for our growing Trust family of schools.

In September 2015 we became eight schools – 3 secondary and five primary. Tapton, Chaucer and Forge Valley are our Secondaries and our Primaries are Southey Green, Meynell, Hillsborough, Wisewood and Hallam.

They are all linked in a shared endeavour – our mission is to provide an outstanding education to all our pupils 0 – 19. We are passionate that all our young people should see their time at school as safe, happy and fulfilling.

Our approach is founded on deeply effective partnership working – inextricably joining our schools, pupils, parents and their communities.

Our Provision for Pupils and Parents

All Tapton School Academy Trust Schools will offer:

A genuine inclusive approach which ensures the best possible attainment, progress and achievement for every pupil.

A broad and balanced, enriched curriculum which is delivered by consistently high quality teaching.

Safe and harmonious learning environments where behaviour is well managed, learning is uninterrupted and moral values are fostered.

Our learners develop resilience and self-reliance which offers them the skills to successfully meet the challenges and opportunities they will encounter in our rapidly changing world.

Investment in the professional development of our staff at all stages in the Trust.

Leadership will be secured which is able, proactive and focused on success for each school, our pupils and the wider community.

Partnerships

TSAT is founded on strong local partnerships, we only work within the Sheffield group of schools and are convinced that cross phase working is the very best way to secure our aims. Every Academy is non selective and our admissions are co-ordinated by Sheffield Local Authority. We work very closely with DfE, LA and the family of Sheffield Schools in order to plan strategically for our shared improvement agenda. All of our schools are founding members of Learn Sheffield, a new company operated to bring about a rapid improvement in all settings.

We value our excellent working relationships with Trade Unions. Recognition agreements are in place for all major Sheffield Unions and all TSAT Schools support union activities by paying into the facilities time agreement.